Cardiff take on Northampton Saints in Saturday's second EDF Cup Semi and welcome back six players from Welsh duty. The Blues are bolstered in the backs by the return of Halfpenny, Shanklin and Roberts who all step straight into the starting XV, while Gethin Jenkins starts up front.

Jason Spice partners Nick Robinson at half back, as the latter makes his first appearance since announcing his departure to Gloucester at the end of the season. They're joined by a midfield of Shanklin and Roberts, the same combination which started for Wales against Scotland, England and France.

On the wings, Leigh Halfpenny makes his first Blues outing since his 6 Nations debut, the 20 year old scored against Scotland and England in his debut season, while also landing a difficult pressure kick against the latter. He's joined by Tom James, who's been in fine form since recovering from the injury that hampered the start of his season. The ever reliable Ben Blair starts at full back.

Gethin Jenkins' inclusion ensures there will be an intriguing Lion's battle up front, with Northampton's Scottish prop Euan Murray tipped to start along with Jenkins in the summer tour of South Africa.

Gareth Williams, who has harshly overlooked by Welsh management, starts at hooker, with Tao' Felise propping up the tight head.

Deiniol Jones starts along side Paul Tito in the second row, despite pressure from young Bradley Davies. Davies has enjoyed a tremendous season having scored the winning try at Kingsholm and making two 6 Nations appearances for Wales against Scotland, his International debut, and Italy.

In the back row, Maama Molitika starts at 6, with Robin Sowden-Taylor a more than able debut for the injured Martyn Williams. Former captain Xavier Rush starts in the absence of also injured Andy Powell. It's a frighteningly powerful back row for a side missing two key men, and highlights the immense strength in depth the Blues now have.

On the bench, John Yapp, another to feature for Wales in recent weeks, is joined by Rhys Thomas, Bradley and Scott Morgan covering the forwards, with Ritchie Rees, Ceri Sweeney and Jamie Robinson completing a fairly strong bench.

Dai Young wrote in his match day article,

"Going into the match, we have slight concerns that we maybe a little bit rusty, having had long periods without a match due to the break in the Magners League. We've been at this stage before, but I felt we didn't do ourselves justice against the Ospreys that day. Hopefully we can get back to the form that got us into the semi finals, and if we do, we will be a very hard team to beat."

Ben Blair; Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Tom James; Nicky Robinson, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Taufa'ao Filise, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito (capt), Maama Molitika, Robin Sowden Taylor, Xavier Rush.

John Yapp, T Rhys Thomas, Bradley Davies, Scott Morgan, Richie Rees, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Robinson.

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